OF Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics / Ed Szczepanski, US PRESSWIRE

by Paul White, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul White, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports

Talk about turnarounds: The Baltimore Orioles went 69-93 in 2011, and 93-69 this year. The Oakland Athletics? From 74-88 to 94-68. Quick, can you name four players on each team? USA TODAY Sports' Paul White and Jorge L. Ortiz do the introductions for you:

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ORIOLES

The Savior: Jim Johnson

No component of the Orioles was more significant to their surprise rise cthan the bullpen. Jim Johnson set a club record with a major league-leading 51 saves but did it without the radar-gun pizzazz of a Craig Kimbrel or Aroldis Chapman. In fact, Johnson's 5.37 strikeouts per nine innings were the fewest among the 92 major leaguers who had a save this season. He set a record for the most saves by a pitcher who had more saves than strikeouts and is only 10th ever with at least 30 saves and fewer strikeouts than saves.

The Superstar: Adam Jones

It was September until manager Buck Showalter serious considered giving center fielder Jones a day off. "Sometimes, it's just too far along," Showalter said. "I would have liked to have seen him get the All-Star break off, but that's his fault." Jones became the first Oriole since Miguel Tejada in 2006 to play all 162 games plus the All-Star Game. More important, he led the team with 32 homers, 39 doubles, 103 runs, 186 hits and 16 stolen bases.

The hotshot: Manny Machado

The Orioles used 52 players this season, so players got used to new faces showing up in the clubhouse. But none caught their attention more than Machado, 20, showing up Aug. 9. The main role for the organization's top offensive prospect was to shore up third base defense, though he'd always been a shortstop. Machado did that, but also stole the hearts of Baltimore fans and the awe of veteran teammates with a triple and single in his first game, two homers in his second. Walk-off hits, dazzling defense and an infectious smile to go with his composed but energetic play: "He can't be 20," says shortstop J.J. Hardy.

The glue: Matt Wieters

Wieters came to the majors three years ago with all sorts of gaudy offensive credentials. That made him an easy target for fans frustrated with sub-.500 Orioles teams because the catcher didn't hit balls often enough or fan enough. When Showalter took over in 2010, he made it clear to Wieters his first priority was handling a mish-mash pitching staff. The offense is coming â?? career-highs of 23 homers and 83 RBI â?? but Wieters spent more innings behind the plate than any other AL catcher for a team that shaved a full run off its 2011 ERA.

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ATHLETICS

The X factor: Yoenis Cespedes

The A's went 82-46 in games the Cuban import started, 12-22 when he didn't. Cespedes can impact games with his powerful bat and arm, as well as his speed on the bases and in the field. With his aggressive style and superstar potential, he gives Oakland an indomitable force in the middle of the lineup.

The bargain: Josh Reddick

Reddick was part of the package the A's acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Andrew Bailey deal, a trade that seemed mostly aimed at bolstering the farm system. Reddick had shown potential with the Red Sox, but nobody expected a 32-homer season from him. He also had 15 outfield assists, third-most in the majors, all for a tidy $485,000.

The salty vet: Jonny Gomes

Here's Gomes' reaction to earning awards that recognize his leadership and community service: "I get all the awards you can't take to arbitration.'' That's just one example of the sense of humor and perspective Gomes brings to a club that had 15 rookies on the roster at season's end. Gomes is the player they turn to for guidance, and it helps that he also delivered on the field, with 18 home runs in 99 games.

The helmsman: Bob Melvin

Melvin's one-game-at-a-time mantra has become a boring yet effective tool in keeping his youthful team focused. Melvin did not panic when the A's lost nine in a row May 22-June 1, and the club rewarded him by posting the majors' best mark (72-38) from that point on. His players are so committed to Melvin, some will seek out news media members to make his case for Manager of the Year.